The city of Mt. Carmel plans a surplus auction next month and a popular item will be up for sale. City Manager Ryan Turner has announced that 15 to 20 old traffic lights will be available at the auction. Turner said he has fielded inquiries from various parties asking if and when the stop lights will be up for sale. A date of the sale. was not released. Among the other items available is a police squad car.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE HOMICIDE IN JOHNSON COUNTY
ULLIN, IL – On Aug. 28th, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) – Zone 7 in conjunction with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, investigated a shooting which had occurred in the 6000 block of Dutchman Lake Road, Johnson County, IL. Joseph E. Geyman, 51-year-old male of Tunnel Hill, IL, suffered injuries sustained by gunfire and is deceased. The suspect, Larry D. Cavitt, 68 year-old-male of Goreville, IL, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder (Class X Felony). Cavitt is in custody at Massac County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
If you have any information on the events that occurred, you can contact the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 at 618-542-2171 Extension 1207. No further information will be disseminated at this time.
Single vehicle accident nets arrest of Princeton man on DUI charge
On August 29, 2021, at 8:35 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a single vehicle accident in the 500 block of East Park Street in Fort Branch. Upon arriving on scene Deputy Brian Naas observed a White 2007 Hyundai passenger car had struck a telephone pole. Upon approaching the driver 30-year-old Billy Stevens of Princeton Deputy Naas detected the strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. At that point Deputy Naas conducted a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Naas placed Mr. Stevens into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Stevens was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction. He has since posted a $750 bond.
Assisting Deputy Naas in his investigation was Deputy U.B. Smith, Haubstadt Officer Riley Farmer, and Indiana State Trooper Tanner Hurley.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Princeton man arrested on DUI charge
On August 28, 2021, at 8:40 p.m. Gibson County Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a White 2002 Chevy Silverado for making an unsafe turn onto Dorsey Street from Broadway in Princeton. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith detected the strong smell of alcohol coming from the driver 31-year-old Johnathan White of Princeton. At that point Deputy Smith began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in Mr. White being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. White was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction. He has since posted a $750 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wisconsin man arrested on multiple charges
On August 28, 2021, at 1:20 a.m., Gibson County Deputy Brian Naas conducted a traffic stop on a Blue 2007 Chrysler Van for Speeding on US 41 near Fort Branch. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Naas detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and began a roadside drug investigation with the assistance of Deputy U.B. Smith and Fort Branch Officer Jeff Beck. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Naas placed 29-year-old Dwain Hughes of Milwaukee, Wisconsin into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Hughes was charged with Carrying a Handgun Without a License/ Prior Felony Conviction Within 15 years, Invasion of Privacy, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana. He was also cited for No Insurance, Speeding, and Improper Lights on his vehicle. Mr. Hughes remains in custody on a $2500 bond. This is an ongoing investigation and charges have been filed on a passenger in the vehicle.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Newton Woman Killed In Effingham County Crash
ISP FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12
WHAT: Two Unit Fatal Traffic Crash
WHERE: Illinois Route 33, approximately 1 mile east of County Road 1000N, Effingham County
WHEN: Aug. 27, 2021, at approximately 10:19 p.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2015 Black Nissan Altima
Unit 2- 2017 Gray Ford Explorer
DRIVERS: Unit 1- Linda K. Miller, 72-year-old female of Newton, IL (Deceased)
Unit 2- Taylor E. Kerner, 28-year-old male of Newton, IL
PASSENGER: Unit 2- Kortni L. Augenstein, 23-year-old female of Strasburg, IL
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling westbound and Unit 2 was traveling eastbound, on IL-33 near CR 1000N. Unit 1 crossed the center line and entered the eastbound lane of traffic. The front end of Unit 1 struck the front end of Unit 2. Unit 1 driver was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Unit 2 driver and passenger did not report any injuries. IL-33 was closed in both directions for the traffic crash investigation; all lanes were reopened on Aug. 28, 2021, at approximately 2:45 a.m. No further information is available at this time.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TROOPER STRUCK BY DUI DRIVER WHILE ASSISTING MOTORIST
Chicago, IL - On August 28, 2021, at approximately 12:05 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash involving an ISP District Chicago Sergeant on Interstate 57 northbound just north of Interstate 80 in Cook County.
On the above date and time, an ISP Sergeant was stationary at the above location inside of a fully marked squad car with the emergency lights activated, assisting a stopped motorist on the right shoulder. A Blue Chevrolet, traveling northbound on Interstate 57, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and veered off the roadway and onto the right shoulder, where the front end of the Chevrolet struck the rear driver’s side of the squad car.
The ISP Sergeant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment; the Sergeant has since been released. The driver of the Chevrolet, Moises Hernandez, a 44-year-old male of Blue Island, IL, was charged with a violation of Scott’s Law, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving while License is Suspended, Operation of Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident and Improper Lane Usage. A person who violates Scott’s Law, commits a business offense and faces a fine of no less than $250 or more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years.
So far this year, there have been 18 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s Law and 11 Troopers have sustained injuries from Scott’s Law-related crashes. The ISP would like to remind the public of the requirements of Scott’s Law, otherwise known as the “Move Over” law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with their emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are required to slow down AND move over.
“I’m proud of the men and woman of our District and all ISP Troopers working throughout the state risking their lives to keep our roadways safe,” stated District Chicago Commander Captain Angelo Mollo. “These crashes are completely preventable, and I am asking the public to avoid putting the lives of others at risk by making responsible choices when behind the wheel; Always drive sober and move over when you approach a stationary vehicle on the side of the road,” stated District Chicago Commander, Captain Angelo Mollo.
Fairfield Woman Injured In Crossville Crash
ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 19
WHAT: One Unit Personal Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: South Cross Street south of Fifth Street, Crossville, White County
WHEN: Aug. 27, 2021, at approximately 12:13 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2012 Orange Dodge
DRIVER: Unit 1- Angel A. Wyatt, 38-year-old female of Fairfield, IL (Transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries)
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling northbound on South Cross Street when the driver of Unit 1 failed to negotiate the curve. Unit 1 left the roadway, struck a fence, and then a house in the 200 block of South Cross Street. The house was unoccupied at the time of the crash. No further information is available at this time.
CHARGES: Unit 1 driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and was cited for Improper Lane Usage and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle.
The public is reminded all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Two Dead In Lawrence County Crash
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by
Illinois State Police District 12
WHAT: Two Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash
WHERE: Illinois Route 1 near E. Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence County
WHEN: Aug. 28, 2021 at approximately 5:55 a.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 1999 Gold Lincoln Town Car
Unit 2- 1997 Maroon Chevrolet Truck
DRIVERS: Unit 1- 19-year-old male from Clay City, IL – Deceased (Pending next of kin notification)
Unit 2- 57-year-old male from Pflugerville, TX – Deceased (Pending next of kin notification)
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling south on Illinois Route 1 near E. Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence County. Unit 2 was traveling north at the same location. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 crossed the centerline and struck Unit 2 head-on. Unit 2 caught fire as a result of the traffic crash. Both Unit 1 driver and Unit 2 driver were pronounced deceased on scene by the Lawrence County Coroner. The roadway was closed during the investigation and all lanes were re-opened at approximately 12:30 p.m..
The traffic crash investigation and next of kin notifications are still ongoing and no further information is available at this time.
Wabash County State's Attorney Monthly Report
Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman has released her office’s report for July.
